Cass Regional Medical Center | Wellness Matters | Fall 2018

Mary Luce, MD Wellness Matters | Fall 2018 7 Ear, nose and throat specialist Mary Luce, MD, is retiring after 36 years at Cass Regional Medical Center. Dr. Luce received her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, through which she also completed her residency in otolaryngology. Her surgical residency was done at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, and she completed a fellowship in facial plastics at Klinik AM Rosenberg in Heiden, Switzerland. In 1981, she began working at Cass Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Department. From there, Dr. Luce transitioned to the ear, nose and throat clinic in 1985. While reflecting on her career, Dr. Luce expressed her appreciation for the people at Cass Regional. “I will miss all of my co-workers; the people are so nice and selfless here,” Dr. Luce said. After 36 years of working, Dr. Luce said she is excited to retire. Looking ahead “Being a physician, you cannot be spontaneous,” she explained. “I can’t get up in the morning and think I am going to stay home today to do something I want to do. I have patients who are counting on me. That is what I am most excited about—being spontaneous.” Dr. Luce is looking forward to the future and how she will spend her free time. “I am going to do what I want to do; no plans,” she said. She is compiling a list of destinations to travel to and searching for property to buy in Washington state. Dr. Luce is married and has three children, Sam, Lilly and David. “I will have more time to spend with my family,” she said. The physicians of ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City will begin providing services at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Cass Regional Medical Center starting on Dec. 3. Dr. Luce concludes career at Cass Regional after 36 years ENT stands for ear, nose and throat. It refers to the doctors who specialize in treating people with a range of diseases and disorders that involve those three specific body parts. Formally, ENTs are known as otolaryngologists. Theirs is one of the oldest medical specialties in the U.S. In addition to ear, nose and throat issues, ENTs handle other problems related to the head and neck. Unlike many other medical specialists, ENTs are trained to provide surgical and medical treatments—not just one or the other. What is an ENT? Why see an ENT? Among other things, ENTs offer expert, advanced care for: w w Problems with balance and hearing, ringing in the ears, and ear infections. w w Sinus troubles, allergies, nasal obstructions, sleep apnea and problems with the sense of smell. w w Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cancer or other growths in the throat. ENTs can also perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck. For example, they can repair a cleft palate or deviated septum and remove a polyp or tumor in the nasal area. Some ENTs specialize in treating children. That can include, for instance, a toddler with a repeat ear or tonsil infection or a newborn with a birth defect involving the head or neck. If you have a persistent condition involving the ears, nose or throat, ask your primary care doctor if you should see an ENT. Sources: American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Surgeons NEED AN ENT? To schedule an appointment, please call 816-380-2446 .